The English Effect

English is spoken by a quarter of the world population. Combining first-hand testimony and quantitative data, this British Council report explores many facets of this global language: its characteristics and the dynamics of 'native' and 'non-native' use of English; the impact that English language skills have on people’s lives, educational and employment prospects, and on societal stability; and the economic value of English to the UK.

Key points from The English Effect include:

• English belongs to the world, with non-native speakers far outnumbering native speakers
• English gives the UK a competitive edge in areas ranging from culture and media to commerce and soft power
• English boosts stability, employability and prosperity in developing and emerging economies
• The UK needs to do more to respond to the global demand for English – including attracting our brightest and best young people into English teaching
• The UK also needs to beware of relying too heavily on English – as foreign language skills are still essential for the UK to compete in a global economy.

Download the publication below.